Management buy-out of IWSR

We have advised the management team, led by CEO, Mark Meek, on its buyout of leading global drinks information business, IWSR. The investment was led by private equity investor, FPE Capital.

IWSR is headquartered in London and has a US office in New York. Over the last 40 years the company has built up the world’s largest database on the beverage alcohol market, covering market, category and brand performance in 157 countries across the world using local market input. 

As part of the investment a new Chairman, Neil Smith, is joining the business. Neil was formerly Group COO of Wilmington plc and has over 25 years’ experience as a founder, director, advisor and investor in information businesses.

Our team was led by Corporate partner Chris Reed who commented: “This is a good investment for the shareholders and FPE will work closely with the IWSR management team moving forward. FPE’s experience in growing specialist media companies will support the future growth of IWSR and I wish them every success in the future.”